November 30, 2008

While I understand the third film was less than a quality film. I think fans of the first two films deserve a solid final movie. With the trend of vampire movies coming back it's only a matter of time anyways. I hope that if they do make another film that they push the violence and gore factors that were key elements of the first two movies.

Lexi Alexander (Punisher War Zone) or Bryan Taylor and Mark Neveldine (Crank, Pathology) would be great choices to helm a project like this.

One of the few good aspects was the introduction of Hannibal King played Ryan Reynolds and Abby Whistler played by Jessica Biel. I think with the right script and director these characters can be better developed and incorporated. I don't think it would be a good idea remove these actors since they would help draw audiences.

Morbius was originally set to be the villain in the second film but was scraped so that the Reaper storyline could be used. I could see them using Morbius as we will never see him in a Spider-Man fillm. I think Karl Urban (Two Towers, Star Trek, Chronicles of Riddick) would be excellent casting choice.

In the alternate ending of the first film Morbius is seen with a cloth covering his face. This was to lead into the second film but was ultimately cut from the film.

The third film may have had it's issues mainly with the quality of villains and how to present them. As much as I enjoy vampires as villains Blade also has fought Werewolves. Jack Russel is a character that could be included in the film as a protector of the main vampires. David Wenham (300) is my choice to be cast.

In an alternate ending to Blade Trinity there is a werewolf and is most likely Jack Russel.

If that's not enough villains they could always add Lilith who in the comics is the daughter of Dracula. Her character could always be reworked to suit the film. Lilith could also be the love interest of Morbius. British actress Michelle Ryan (Jekyll, Bionic Woman) would make an excellent Lilith. Perhaps they could also create a new Bloodpack.

David S. Goyer's character of Krista Starr who was featured in the television series, could also be added. If Jill Wagner isn't cast which would make sense since they would need to keep the show separate from the films. I could see Romanian/German actress Alexandra Maria Lara (Control, Youth Without Youth) playing Krista.

Although Guillermo del Toro is busy as hell working on way too many projects, I could see him making this. While we won't be seeing Hellboy 3 until after Hobbit is finished. I could see del Toro using the same shooting techniques to make two films when he finally makes the third and final Hellboy moive. He admits that he'd love to include Lobster Johnson in the final movie. Who he hopes will be played by Bruce Campbell. Campbell has already done voice acting for the character in the video game Hellboy: The Science of Evil. An added bonus is that Bruce Campbell is a genre legend and it would be nice to see him return to a big budgeted film. Depending on the success of Baltimore, David S. Goyer could also be inline to direct. Joe Johnston (Rocketeer, Wolf Man, Captain America ) is another director that could possible take over directing duties.

"Lobster Johnson was a gangbusting vigilante in the 1930s, killing gangsters and other criminals and burning his trademark lobster claw mark on their foreheads. Together with his sidekick he had a variety of adventures, eventually turning his attention on the growing threat of Nazism. His efforts against the Nazis were sometimes unsuccessful, costing the life of his sidekick and eventually his own life."

Based on the short novel by H.P. Lovecraft which will be directed by del Toro. Guillermo had written the project for Warner Bros. but they passed. Concerned with the budget and nervous about the movie not including a love story or happy ending. Universal decided to finance the project when del Toro was signed up until 2017 by the studio. It was one of the agreed upon films he would helm.

Based on the novel by Dan Simmons. Simmons supposes that survival from a catastrophic train crash changed author Charles Dickens, plunging him into the depths of London depravity and possibly turning him to murder before he wrote his final novel, "The Mystery of Edwin Drood." Guillermo del Toro has agreed to direct the project as part of his massive directorial contact with Universal.

Universal and director Alex Proyas are developing a Dracula prequel. Which will focus on the origins of "Vlad The Impaler". Although I can't say I was impressed with Proyas' I, Robot. He is best when working in the macabre. There is no better example than films like Dark City and The Crow. Depending on how the script turns out it could start shooting as early as 2009 with a 2010 release date.

Writer/director David S. Goyer is updating the classic. Goyer will direct the film along with writing the script. After the push of the Wolf Man remake Universal has plans on releasing updated films based on their classic horror films. I for one, think this is great for horror fans. The level of detail and time that is going into these projects is very impressive.

"Conceived as a sequel to Wells' original tale, the story centers on a British nephew of the original Invisible Man. Once he discovers his uncle's formula for achieving invisibility, he is recruited by British intelligence agency MI5 during WWII."

Expected to be a much more faithful adaptation of the cherished novel by Kurt Vonnegut. Guillermo del Toro is confident in finding a way to bring the movie to it's root from the novel. It will be quite a long time before the project goes into production. "Slaughterhouse-Five follows a man who is captured by Germans and put in an old slaughterhouse with other POWs. Eventually, the man is kidnapped by a race of aliens who know all things past and present but can’t change them."

Guillermo del Toro is set to direct two movies featuring famous classic Universal monsters. While busy with two Hobbit movies and a final Hellboy movie. It will be unlikely we'll see these movies anytime soon. The films will focus on Frankenstein also the story of Dr. Jekyll & Mr. Hyde. Both films are very personal for del Toro, as he spent his youth watching the originals in Mexico.

Created and co-written by Mike Mignola of Hellboy fame and based from his graphic novel. The vampire film is set around the WWI era and sounds very promising. David S. Goyer, who is credited for bringing a lot of fantastic comics to the screen will be producing. Goyer will also take a shot at directing the film. Although I haven't been a fan of Goyer's directing abilities with Mike Mignola's involvement I feel confident about the project.

"a vampire is accidentally awakened by blood left on the battlefield by a British infantry Captain named Lord Henry Baltimore"

Director Guillermo del Toro has hinted that there will be a third and final Hellboy movie. Guillermo’s plan for a third film would involve the B.P.R.D. facing off against modern twenty-first century Nazis. Perhaps an evil international corporation intent on taking over the world. I have to admit Hellboy is thee most creative comic book superhero series of films, if only based on it's visuals and art department.

In the next and most likely final film we could see the rest of the B.P.R.D. members appear in the movie. Lobster Johnson, Ben Daimio, Roger and Panya are characters that haven't appeared as of yet. While Lobster may be only in flashback form it could lead to the character getting his own film later on.

Casting Update: While nothing is finalized del Toro has mentioned if Lobster Johnson does make it into the film he wants Bruce Campbell to play him. Campbell plays the voice of Lobster in the video game Hellboy: The Science of Evil.

November 29, 2008

Hugh Jackman is up for any amount of movies involving Wolverine he stated during an interview with MTV. The possibility for another X-Men film is likely as long as director Bryan Singer returns to the franchise he helped create. As much as I enjoyed Superman Returns, it wasn't even close as good as X2 was. I think it was a poor choice made by Singer to abandon X-Men. If they end up making another movie along with Jackman they need to get Singer on board. We will most likely see another solo Wolverine film before another X-Men movie. If not only to give the younger actors time to mature. Or they could always add in new main characters.

I have a feeling we won't be seeing Beast or Rouge in the next movie.

Jubilee, Psylocke and Syren have also been featured in the films.

A few additions could include Gambit, Cable, Havok (Cyclops' brother) and Bishop.

Magneto is an excellent villain but he's been the main one for two movies. The X-Men universe is full of equally interesting villains. With badies such as Nathaniel Essex (Mr. Sinister), Apocalypse and Arkady Rossovich (Omega Red), I think they can move on from Magneto. The Sentinels are just as menacing. There are so many ideas that can be explored from the comics. A few that haven't are time travel and the looming mutant apocalypse. Also a plot that involves the Sentinels gathering mutants from a government registration.

November 28, 2008

The amazing group that brought us Forgetting Sarah Marshall are collaborating again. Mega comedy producer Judd Apatow, writer/actor Jason Segel and director Nicholas Stoller are working on a engagement comedy. It's been pitched as if Kristen Bell's character Sarah Marshall and Jason Segel's character ended up engagement for five years. Stoller will be directing the upcoming Get Him To The Greek which features the Aldous Snow character played by Russel Brand.

November 25, 2008

The only way this could work as film if it's treated as a crime epic. In the same way we saw with previous films such as Scarface, Godfather, Miami Vice and Heat. While I'd like to think this would be something Michael Mann would be interested in picking up, he won't. One person who I think could do it justice is Darren Aronofsky (The Fountain). Aronofsky is someone who has the ability to bring out great characters within dark and disturbing themes.

Verhoeven is returning with another period piece thriller. This time set in Moscow during the 1870's. I like the new direction Paul Verhoeven is going with his projects lately. It stars Milla Jovovich (Resident Evil) and Dan Stevens (Sense & Sensibility) .

"In 1876 a young investigator with the Moscow police sets out to solve the apparent suicide of a university student, but soon lands in the middle of a far-reaching international conspiracy."

With Blizzard developing a Warcraft movie a Starcraft live-action film wouldn't be too far away. Influenced by films like Aliens, Predator and Starship Troopers, begs to made into a movie. It predates Halo and Gears of War which most likely took notes from the successful game.

The best director to bring this all together is Paul Verhoeven. He is the best at hardcore action science fiction films, the game being very violent and action packed. Verhoeven's credits include some of the best examples from the genre Robocop, Total Recall and Starship Troopers. Along with abilities to develop characters and stories with films like Basic Instinct and Black Book.

Director Joe Johnston (The Wolf Man) is set to helm the project which seems to be great news. Johnston is best known for his concept work on the Star Wars films before becoming a director. His recent project is a period piece horror film of the classic Wolf Man. From what I've seen it looks amazing. The man can make action films from period pieces. I understand that the special effects will be limited in a WWII film. Yet Johnston just might be the best person to reinvent Cap and bring a realistic Red Skull the the screen. Hopefully Rick Baker decides to develop makeup for The Red Skull.

While no casting news for the project has been released the actor chosen will have to be willing to shoot Cap and Avengers back to back. Names that have been appearing online include Matt Damon and Aaron Eckheart. Also in an online poll Mark Valley (Keane Eddie, Fringe) won out other actors for the role.

What is great about Captain America is that it will have a World War II storyline. It's going to be one of the first comic book action films using the war as a backdrop. "Unassuming Army officer Steve Rogers volunteers for a top secret research project that turns him into Captain America, a superhero dedicated to defending America's ideals."

November 24, 2008

Louis Leterrier has talked about wanting to return to the directing chair for a sequel. He'll most likely get his wish since the movie was an overall success with fans and critics. Edward Norton would need to be locked in as actor and writer again. Liv Tyler and William Hurt would need to return. I really enjoyed The Incredible Hulk even more so than Iron Man. Mainly, because we don't have to wait as long to see Hulk in action.

Tim Blake Nelson signed on for another film. He plays Dr. Samuel Sterns who becomes The Leader at the end of the film. The Leader will most likely be the main villain in the next film.

We could end up seeing She-Hulk who is Banner's cousin Jennifer. Megan Fox or Jessica Biel could end up playing her. This would of course lead to spin-off films.

The cult hit comedy series which has revived Danny Devito's career has to be the funniest show on TV these days. While we have to suffer with TV films like Strangers With Candy or Reno 911 Miami. This one would actually be funny because it has strong writers who perform the material as well. It's extreme content has been compared to a live-action South Park or Family Guy. I don't think I'm the only one who is interested in what an "unrated" version of the show would look like.

November 23, 2008

Based on the Image comics series that ended up an animated television show on MTV. While this could end up live-action or CGI animated. I think Zack Snyder or Robert Rodriguez would be the only directors that could put it all together. The same hazards that hindered Watchmen are also apparent in The Maxx. The graphic violence and odd looking characters, mainly Maxx would be difficult to bring to the screen.

Mickey Rourke as The Maxx. In the real world the Maxx is a vagrant while in the Outback he is the protector of the Jungle Queen.

Julie Benz (Dexter) as Julie Winters/The Jungle Queen. The Jungle Queen is similar to the Maxx in that she also exists in the real world as Julie Winters, a freelance social worker who often bails the Maxx out of jail. While the Maxx is aware of the Outback, Julie is not, though it is integral to the story of both the Maxx and Julie.

John Malkovich as Mr. Gone. Gone is a serial killer and rapist with a telepathic link to Julie and extensive knowledge of and access to people's various Outbacks.

Alison Pill (Milk) as Sara, a highschool student who befriends Maxx and Julie.

Originally side characters from the comic Spawn, who grew in popularity after the HBO animated series. Then got their own comic series, which was more realistic than Spawn. That fact could work for a live-action adaptation. I think it would be a dark and gritty crime thriller mixed with will a lot of gun play. While it surely has film noir elements it has just as much exploitation film influence. Director Eli Roth seems to someone who I believe could work with a budget the project would likely be limited to, along with the shocking imagery.

Michael Madsen would make a good Sam, while William Dafoe could play Twitch easily.